What’s in this article
- What is a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass?
- Benefits of a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
- Limitations of a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
- Am I Eligible for Personalised Employment Pass?
- Documents Required for Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Application
- How to Maintain Your Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Renewal
- Difference between Personalised Employment Pass and Employment Pass
- Summary
- FAQs
If you are a foreigner earning a monthly salary of $18,000 and would like to start a business or seek for a new job, you can consider apply for the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass.
What is a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass?
Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a special visa that falls under the professional tier of the work pass visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
A PEP is issued to top-tier foreign professionals and managers with exceptional technical or domain expertise in an area related to their prospective job and is chosen based on the applicant’s individual merits. The other 2 work pass under the professional tier are the Employment Pass (EP) and Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass).
Unlike the 2 visas, the PEP is a self-sponsored working visa, meaning that you do not need an employer’s company to apply for you. You can apply without a job in Singapore and while living overseas.
Therefore, a PEP holder visa is not exclusively attached to only one employer. There are many advantages such as taking a 6 months break from any job or being involved in business coaching etc.
Benefits of a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
Having a PEP comes with many benefits. Unlike other passes where you are bound by the employer,
Limitations of a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The PEP may grant you many privileges. However, the setback is it also comes with its own limitations.
Am I Eligible for Personalised Employment Pass?
The PEP is meant for top management and professionals, and the eligibility depends on the previous monthly salary draws.
To be eligible for a PEP, you will need to be either:
Other criteria include:
Documents Required for Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Application
There are 2 different documents that you will need to prepare, depending on whether you are an existing Employment Pass (EP) holder or not.
For existing EP Holders | For non-EP holders |
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You will also need to fill up the PEP application form. All the information and details submitted must be in English. Documents in other languages must be submitted after officially translated.
How to Maintain Your Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?
All your employment information should be updated. This means that you will need to notify MOM through:
1. PEP Notification Form
- Changes in employment status (to be updated within 7 days)
- Change of local contact
- Annual salary
2. Employment Pass Online Account (EPOL)
- Changes or renewals of travel documents
- Damaged or lost cards
- Change of residential address
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Renewal
There are no options for PEP renewal. In order to continue working after your 3 years with PEP, you can apply for an EP or try to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency. Any cancellation of your PEP can be done at any time but you may not be able to reapply for PEP after cancellation.
Difference between Personalised Employment Pass and Employment Pass
Employment Pass (EP) is a pass directed at foreign professionals working in a managerial or executive position or in any specialised fields.
Both the Employment Pass and Personalised Employment Pass share some similarities such as:
- Dependents privileges (able to bring family members under Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass)
- Ability to travel in and out of Singapore without entry visas
- Ability to apply for Permanent Resident status under certain criteria.
Along with these common features, these 2 passes have some significant differences as well. The differences include:
Summary
To summarise, the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass holders are similar to a self-sponsored Employment Pass holder. In any case after the cessation of employment, Personalised Employment Pass holders can stay in Singapore for up to 6 months.
But what happens after the validity of 3 years?
As the PEP is valid for only 3 years and only one PEP per lifetime, you are tied down on few options at the end:
Hence, if your end goal is to work and stay in Singapore for at least another 5 to 7 years, it is rationale that you secure a pass that will benefit you in the long run.
The Singapore Personalised Employment Pass is a desirable choice if you are a qualified top professional. It is also an ideal visa choice for high-calibre executives as it allows more freedom and mobility within the employment market. Thereafter, it allows you to apply for Permanent Resident status and secure your goal of staying in the country.
FAQs
The validity of an employment pass is 2 years in general.
We recognize the followings as “locally resident” – Singapore citizens, Singapore PRs, Employment Pass Holders & Dependant Pass Holders.
After your company has been successfully incorporated, you will receive the Certificate of Good Standing from ACRA and a Company Business Profile. Once you have these documents in hand, you will be assured that your company has been successfully incorporated.
Your registered company name will be reserved for 60 days before incorporation. You can apply for another 60 days extension if you need it.
Yes. An Employment Pass does include Dependent’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass for your family members.